EMT Certification Training in North Florida with Class and Course Info

North Florida has at least ten schools that offer EMT training programs. Learn about the certificate and degree programs, tuition info and program options for the ten largest schools to make an informed education decision.

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Essential Information

EMT (emergency medical technician) training and certification preparation programs can be found at a number of locations throughout north Florida. There are several 2- and 4-year colleges in the state that feature relevant diploma, certificate and associate's degree programs in paramedic and EMT studies. Students learn through didactic instruction, clinical experiences and laboratory work.

Career Requirements

Individuals desiring to become emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics in Florida must first pass a certification exam in order to qualify for licensure by the state. The state utilizes the exam, which was developed by the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT), for basic-level EMTs as well as a state-developed exam for paramedics. Once candidates have earned certification, they may apply to the Florida Department of Health for licensure to practice. The following ten north Florida educational options qualify as approved programs, resulting in eligibility to take the required certification exams. A table includes general school tuition rates.

Chipola College

Marianna-based Chipola College offers EMT and paramedic college credit certificate programs. The EMT certificate program consists of one class worth 11 credit hours. Applicants to the program must pass background checks and drug screenings, as well as provide immunization and health records. The paramedic program requires the completion of 42 credit hours of coursework over three semesters and is open to currently-certified EMTs. Tuition costs for the EMT and paramedic programs are approximately $1,122 and $5,000, respectively.

Daytona State College

Located in Daytona, this state college offers three emergency medical services (EMS) programs. The EMT applied technology diploma program consists of 255 hours of training and includes certifications in CPR and as an emergency vehicle operator (EVOC). Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent; additional admission requirements include proof of health insurance, a completed background check, and a satisfactory health exam report. The paramedic associate of science certificate program is open only to EMTs holding Florida licenses and consists of 1,230 hours of didactic instruction, lab hours, and clinical experience. The college also offers a 73-credit hour Associate of Science (A.S.), EMS program. Both certificate programs are included in the curriculum of the degree program; the completion of the certificate-required courses earns a student eligibility to take the certification exams required by the state.

School Type & Setting: Public, four-year, primarily associate's; small city

Florida Gateway College

Florida Gateway College in Lake City offers an EMT applied technology diploma, a paramedic college credit certificate, and an A.S. in EMS Technology. The EMT program is a 16-week program consisting of 11 credit hours of classes. The EMT program is a prerequisite for the paramedic program, a 42-credit hour certificate program completed in three semesters. Individuals who earn both the EMT and paramedic awards may earn a degree in EMS technology by earning an additional 20 credit hours of general education and field-related coursework. Students interested in applying for admission into the EMS programs must achieve minimum test scores (ACT, CPR, SAT, or PERT) and meet with an academic adviser.

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Four options are available to EMS students at Florida State College's campus in Jacksonville. The 11-credit hour EMT-Basic technical certificate program requires that, before applying to the program, students complete the first responder course or be certified as such. The one-year paramedic technical certificate requires the completion of 42 credit hours of coursework and is open to students who have completed the EMT-Basic program. Credit hours earned in the EMT and paramedic programs may be applied towards the 73-credit hour Associate in Science, EMS Technology degree. Finally, the Florida Coast Career Tech division of the college offers a paramedic workforce certificate, designed specifically to prepare students for the state-required certification exam.

School Type & Setting: Public, four-year, primarily associate's; large city

Gulf Coast State College

Gulf Coast State College in Panama City offers an EMT applied technical diploma, a paramedic certificate of technology, and an A.S. in EMS degree. The EMT diploma program requires the completion of 11 credit hours of classes. Admission requirements include a background check, immunization records, a physical exam, and valid CPR certification. Only currently-certified EMTs are admitted into the 42-credit hour paramedic certificate program; preference is given to applicants with six months' or more experience in the field. The curriculum required by the 73-credit hour degree program includes the EMT and paramedic programs' classes as well as general education and elective coursework.

School Type & Setting: Public, four-year, primarily associate's; small city

Northwest Florida State College

Niceville-based Northwest Florida State College offers an EMT college credit certificate, a paramedic certificate, and an A.S. in EMS degree. Students entering the EMT certificate program will complete 11 credit hours of classes in one semester. Classes are offered in the fall, spring, and summer and are open to students who pass background checks, drug screenings, and physical exams, as well as to those who hold CPR certification. The paramedic training program leads to the award of either a certificate or an associate's degree; the core classes for both tracks are identical. The major coursework consists of 42 credit hours of classes; in order to earn an associate's degree in EMS, students must additionally complete general education and elective requirements. The college also offers a critical care emergency medical transport program to currently-certified paramedics through a partnership with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Pensacola State College

Located in Pensacola, this state college offers an EMT applied technology diploma, a paramedic certificate of technology, and an Associate of Applied Science, EMS degree. The EMT diploma program is an 11-credit hour program with admission requirements that include CPR certification and a background check. The 42-credit hour paramedic training program may be completed in four semesters and is open to currently-certified EMTs. Both programs are included in their entirety in the A.A.S. program (total of 73 credit hours). All EMS programs at Pensacola State College are limited access; once classes are filled, students not admitted are put on a waiting list to be eligible for enrollment the following semester.

School Type & Setting: Public, four-year, primarily associate's; small city

Saint Johns River State College

Saint Johns River State College in Palatka offers students two choices in EMS training programs. The 11-credit hour EMT college credit certificate program is offered both in the fall and in the spring. The college also offers an Associate in Science, EMS degree program. Saint Johns River State College does not currently offer a paramedic program but currently-licensed paramedics will be credited 42 hours towards the 73-credit hour degree program.

Santa Fe College

Similar to other schools in North Florida, Santa Fe College in Gainesville offers students three EMS programs. The emergency medical technology certificate of completion earns a student eligibility to test at the EMT-Basic level following the completion of 11 credit hours of coursework and is offered in the fall, spring, and summer terms. The 43 credit hours demanded by the paramedic certificate of completion program may be earned in as little as three semesters. The paramedic program is open only to certified EMT-Basic professionals because the curriculum builds upon the EMT skill set. An A.S./A.A.S. degree in emergency medical technology is also offered by the college; the degree is awarded following the completion of a total of 73 credit hours of coursework, including EMT and paramedic training.

Tallahassee Community College

Three awards and two levels of training are offered by this community college in Tallahassee. The EMT certificate program may be completed in one semester (11 credit hours) and is open to students over the age of 18 who hold CPR certification as a professional rescuer. The paramedic certificate program at Tallahassee Community College is a 53-credit hour program; the 11 credit hours included in the EMT certificate is a prerequisite for the paramedic program, and 42 credit hours are specific to paramedic training. Individuals interested in a degree may opt to complete general education requirements in addition to the paramedic certificate program to earn an A.S. in EMS Technology degree (73 credit hours).